A Michigan dairy farmer says weaker feed prices and good supplies have boosted optimism for the year ahead. Doug Chapin is the chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “We’re feeling very comfortable on our feed supply coming in and actually from other members statewide, I’d say there’s a pretty good comfort level on at…… Continue Reading
Iowa, Nebraska attorneys general seek national standard for glyphosate labels
The attorneys general from Iowa and Nebraska are asking the U.S. EPA to create a new rule that prevents states from mandating false labels on glyphosate products. Kevin Ross, past president of the National Corn Growers Association, says a national standard would help eliminate misleading labels that falsely claim glyphosate causes cancer. “It’s really important…… Continue Reading
Rep. Bost: Answer to solar encroachment lies in new farm bill
Southern Illinois farmers are concerned about the encroachment of solar farms on farmland. Washington County zoning administrator Matt Bierman says solar development interest is rising. “From what’s come through my office, if you figure out what their project sizes are, we’re at about 35,000 acres.” He says, “Our comprehensive plan for the county says maintain…… Continue Reading
Grassley asks ITC to consider U.S. ag in 2,4-D decisions
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says the International Trade Commission should avoid issuing tariffs on imported 2,4-D herbicide. “If our government would put tariffs on 2,4-D it would only make the situation worse.” Grassley, Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith, and nearly 20 bipartisan colleagues recently sent a letter to the ITC and wrote, “changes in the duties…… Continue Reading
Hinson: Ag equipment layoffs a ‘warning sign of things to come’
A U.S. Representative from Iowa says she’s concerned about the rising number of ag equipment companies reducing workforce. “Anyone who has lost their job, my heart goes out to them,” Republican Ashley Hinson said. Hinson says the ag economy has been impacted by several factors. “The inflation that people have seen, the input prices people…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 7, 2024
Sep. corn closed at $3.83 and 1/4, down 5 and 1/2 centsSep. soybeans closed at $10.05 and 1/4, down 8 and 3/4 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $323.60, down $7.00Sep. soybean oil closed at 42.07, up 122 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.38 and 1/4, down 5 centsOct. live cattle closed at $179.27, up 22 centsSep.…… Continue Reading
Treating tar spot or losing yield loss
An Ohio agronomist says the hot and dry weather has helped prevent the fast spread of tar spot. Agrigold’s Scott Bugg tells Brownfield the disease was found a month earlier in the crop. “We just need the environment for it to spread and we will get that at some point and tar spot can move relatively fast on a…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn stay on lower trend
Soybeans were lower on speculative and technical selling. Near-term forecasts for most of the region look mild, but some areas do need rain to ensure the full success of the crop. The USDA’s national condition rating remains above a year ago and while that’s not a 1:1 guarantee for crop size, the trade seems to…… Continue Reading
USDA’s carbon verifier proposed rule possible before 2025
An ag lobbyist says she expects to see a proposed rule from USDA soon as the agency works to create a new carbon market verification program. Samantha Buchalter with the Russell Group helps manage the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance. “We’re all working together to advance voluntary and incentive-based policies,” she says. The USDA recently…… Continue Reading
Broiler hatchery numbers continue to rise
The USDA’s weekly broiler hatchery numbers continue to imply a year-to-year increase in chicken production. 250.597 million broiler-type eggs were put into incubation last week, 2.163 million higher than the week before and 4% above a year ago, with average hatchability improving slightly to 79.5%. 190.778 million broiler-type chicks entered meat production, a decline of…… Continue Reading
